Michael J. Rosen, CFRE

Michael J. Rosen, CFRE is President of ML Innovations, Inc., a fundraising and marketing consulting firm serving nonprofit organizations and the companies that assist them. An AFP Certified Master Trainer and Certified Fundraising Executive, Michael is the author of the bestselling book "Donor-Centered Planned Gift Marketing."

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Delivering (My Own) Bad News

I don’t want to mislead you. So, let me be clear from the start. This post is less about how to deliver bad news and more about, well, me sharing some bad news with you. Nevertheless, in keeping with the spirit of this blog site, I will include some relevant tips at the end.

First, I want to share some terrible, personal news with you.

As you may know from some of my previous posts, the past couple of years have been a challenging time given my wife’s fight with Ovarian Cancer. Now that she continues to be in remission, we were looking forward to a happy, relatively normal 2014. Unfortunately, that’s not to be the case.

I have been diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP), a slowly progressing abdominal cancer. PMP is rare. Medical professionals diagnose fewer than 1000 cases per year worldwide, according to some researchers.

At this point, I have no pain and very little discomfort. My only significant symptoms are a distended abdomen, an annoying cough from the pressure on my diaphragm, and weight loss beyond what I was shooting for. However, left unchecked, my condition would soon change for the worse. Therefore, in the coming weeks, I will undergo surgical treatment. This will require a lengthy hospital stay and recovery period.

Unfortunately, there is no cure or even remission for PMP. Treatment will beat it back. Then, I have to hope it comes back very slowly.

Now, and for at least the next few months, I need to focus 100 percent of my energy on regaining as much of my health as possible. So, I’ll be taking an indefinite leave-of-absence from my blog, professional life, and most social media activity. I look forward to re-engaging as soon as I am able.

Meantime, here are some things that you might consider doing, in no particular order:

• Be understanding. I apologize if I have been less than ideally responsive or difficult to reach in the past few months. If I have seemed a bit off my game, you now know why.

• Subscribe to my blog. From time to time, I will post brief updates here when I’m able. If you want to stay informed about my situation and my eventual return to professional life, I encourage you to go to the “Email Subscription” section in the right-hand column and enter your email address to subscribe to my blog. Subscriptions, for now, will remain free. Your email address will not be sold to third parties.

• Pray and/or think positive thoughts. During this challenging time, my wife and I welcome all healing thoughts and prayers.

• Be in contact with me. If the spirit moves you, I invite you to comment below or email me privately. While I might not be able to respond, please know that your messages will be welcome. One of the things I have enjoyed most about my blog is the feedback I receive from readers.

• Buy and promote my book. Ok, this one might surprise you. So, before you think me obnoxious, let me explain. It’s not the money that I care about. The truth is, authors earn shockingly little on the sale of each book. In my case, my wife and I have been donating the modest earnings to our favorite charities. Instead of earnings, what’s most important to me is that the information in the book gets out to as many organizations as possible. My book does not do anyone any good in the John Wiley & Sons warehouse. While I’m on leave, I won’t be able to promote my book. That’s why I need your help. Whenever I see my Amazon sales number doing well, it makes me happy because I know more nonprofits will raise more money and be able to help more people as a result. You can find Donor-Centered Planned Gift Marketing at Amazon (paperback and Kindle), Barnes and Noble (paperback and Nook) as well as other booksellers.

• Be there for me when I make my comeback. When I restart my professional life, I hope you’ll return as a reader here. I also hope, when the time is right, you’ll be willing to consider ways you might be able to assist my comeback.

• Hug those you love. Life is precious. It’s also precarious. Don’t miss an opportunity to tell the people you love that you love them. Give them an extra hug today.

Now that I’ve shared my bad news with you, let me distill my announcement into tips that might be useful to you and your organization if you ever need to deliver your own bad news:

1. Remember that problems, unlike fine wine, do not improve with age. The sooner you can appropriately share bad news, the better.

2. Be open and honest when talking about the problem.

3. Let people know how they can access more information.

4. Tell people how long the problem might last.

5. Share with people what you are doing to address the problem.

6. Empower people by letting them know what, if anything, they can do to be of help.

My list of six tips is certainly not exhaustive. Conversely, not every tip I offered is appropriate to every situation. However, I’ve usually found these six tips useful, and I hope you do as well.

I look forward to sharing additional useful information when I return. Meantime, you might want to look at my previous post that lists my “Top 10 Posts of All-Time.”

Thank you for your understanding and support during my challenging time.

That’s what Michael Rosen says… What do you say?

UPDATE (April 11, 2014): I want to thank you and share some updated information. I greatly appreciate the outpouring of support. The positive messages and prayers I have received are definitely a source of strength during this challenging time. Thank you!!!

I also want to provide a bit more information, particularly for those from the PMP community who have been kind enough to share their support below. While I have received terrific diagnostic care in Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania health system (Penn Medicine), I will be having my surgery done at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. My surgeon is Dr. David Bartlett, a leading practitioner of cytoreduction surgery and HIPEC. Dr. Bartlett is also a published PMP researcher. My wife and I have visited with Dr. Bartlett, and we’ve toured UPMC. We have a high-degree of confidence in the team. As a result, we’re hopeful of a successful outcome.

For those interested in exploring the PMP research that has been done, click here for an excellent listing and links.

114 Responses to “Delivering (My Own) Bad News”

You will be in our prayers and thoughts. In the meantime, stay focused on you and your own health. We can wait.

Congratulations to your wife on beating her ovarian cancer into remission. I know from my wife’s experience with ovarian cancer there is more time needed until she is considered cured, but it is encouraging to know how far she has come.

I am so sorry to hear your news. We don’t know each other and haven’t worked together, but I have greatly appreciated your blog and your Twitter presence, and the way you write so clearly and thoughtfully about the fundraising issues you care about. I’m sure your clients and colleagues all value your clarity and perception very highly, and will all be wishing you the very best, and offering you support over the coming months. I’d like to add my heartfelt good wishes for you and your wife to theirs.

Dear Michael, wow, bad news indeed! You’re totally included in our thoughts and prayers. There’s nothing more important in life than having your health, so please don’t worry about us and worry about yourself and getting better. I look forward to your updates with better news in the future… !!I have your book too and will think of you often! Sincerely, Erica Waasdorp

I’m sad to hear your news and will think of you often as you go about your surgery and recovery. I enjoy reading your blog and will miss your wisdom. I even suggested you as a speaker for a regional fundraising conference, but will not pursue that right now. I applaud you for taking the break to focus on your most important task at hand – your health. I will think positively and look forward to your updates.

Michael, your tips, your advice is profound. Your colleagues, friends, and family will be there for you in this ordeal. Anything you care to blog, are able to blog will be greatly appreciated as we’ll continue to learn from your insight and wisdom. Determination, strength, endurance through all to come.

Michael, your book is a go-to for me and I’ve always looked forward to and learned from your posts. I’m appreciative of your past body of work, and know there will be more to come. God’s grace, peace, strength and healing cover and fill both you and your wife in these days.

Dear Mr. Rosen, I’ve admired your columns and blog postings, and value your contributions to the profession. I am so saddened to hear of your health concerns. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family – wishing you peace and healing…… Take good care, Sara

Being an ED of a disease support and education foundation, one of the things we continually tell our patients is to manage your disease. Ask questions of all your healthcare providers. Know before you make decisions. Be assertive. Your wife nows transitions from receiving care to being the caregiver. You switch roles, also. Be very patient with each other. I and all your readers are pulling for you. We look forward to your knowledge and inspiration.

I’m so sorry to learn this. Cancer is such an awful disease. Please know that you’re in our prayers. My hope is that God gives you the strength to endure what you have ahead for you. And that He envelops you in His peace and love.

Thank you for your wonderful blog and the fabulous work you’ve done to help so many organizations fund their missions. I look forward to looking back at past blog posts while you’re taking a break. And in between, I eagerly anticipate your updates.

Prayers are coming your way Michael. As a recent cancer survivor of 1 year, the best advice I can give is to take care of yourself and get back your health. Be selfish and focus on you. I have your book and continue to learn from it–thank you! Hugging my loved ones. Bert

I am so sorry to hear this but as always your blog was marvelous. I now you are fighter and you will do all the right things to stay as healthy as possible. Be strong and know that are a great many of us how care for you. You will be in my thoughts,

Michael, you’ve shared a lot of lessons with us, but this may be the most important of all. Please email me and tell me your Hebrew name if you know it, and I will put you on the list for weekly prayers. Otherwise, we’ll just say “Michael Rosen,” and God and I will know who we mean.

Hi Michael, I’m so sorry to read of your news. Just to let you know that there is lots of information available on the Pseudomyxoma Survivor website, including a link to the Facebook support group where you will find lots of like minded people – many of whom have no evidence of disease for over ten years.http://www.pseudomyxomasurvivor.org

Hi Michael, well that news comes as a shock! I am very saddened to hear of your rare health condition. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you start and continue your treatment. Sending you a big hug & those around you from Australia. I will from time to time send you an email just to let you know l am thinking of you. Warm regards Sharon

Michael, I wish you all the best. I’m praying for you. You’ve been such blessing to so many of us through your blog and book sharing your pearls of wisdom and insight. Even in your own suffering, you take time to provide thoughtful lessons for us. Thank you. May God’s grace and peace be with you!

Michael, I read your post this morning and had to pause. You’ve been on my mind ever since. Offering helpful tips and following your own advice… well, it’s very Michael Rosen Says… Thanks for sharing. You most definitely will be in my thoughts and prayers.

I am an appendix cancer survivor. Please consider finding a PMP specialist who does HIPEC. I had HIPEC with Dr Bartlett in Pittsburg and am in remission since 2010. A woman named Carolyn has a great blog called appendix-cancer.com. Also check out our PMP page on Facebook. Life saving for me.

Dear Michael,
I am sorry to hear your sad news, however, hopefully I can offer you some hope. I too was diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma in November, 2013. A month ago I had the cytoreductive surgery you refer to in your blog. Today I am cancer free and there are lots of others out there who have been through it and have been cancer free for up to 15 years. Please check out pseudomyxomasurvivor.org and look for the pseudomyxoma group of Facebook. There is a wealth of experience and support that has helped me and can hopefully help you too.

If you haven’t already, please seek out expert doctors, there are not many, but not every oncologist, surgeon or doctor has enough knowledge of this rare cancer. Take hope that a lot of what you read on the internet is now out of date and statistics improve year on year.

I wish you well through this traumatic time, and traumatic it is, but please retain hope.

I am a 6 year survivor of pmp originally given 3 months to live but after researching on the Internet I found treatment was and is available all over the world.
You must seek out a pmp specialist in your area and not take the news that you have been given by your local team as gospel.
The surgery is called the Sugarbaker technique or Cytoreductive surgery given with heated Intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
I have established a website and patient support group based on facebookhttp://www.pseudomyxomasurvivor.org

Hi Michael, I can sympathise with your news – I was diagnosed 7 years and 2 days ago with PMP myself. I’ve had the surgery with the HIPEC and despite 2 (unconnected) subsequent Cancer diagnosis I remain PMP free to this day. Treatments are improving all the time, and while the information says PMP isn’t cureable that’s mainly because it’s only been being treated for the last 20 years or so and therefore there is insufficient evidence on long-term survival rates. Despite that fact, I know of many fellow sufferers who have passed 10 years and even 13 years and remain disease free after their initial diagnosis and surgery – so take heart :-)
Lots of further information on the Pseudomyxoma Survivor websitehttp://www.pseudomyxomasurvivor.org

Michael, I am pleased your wife is now doing well & so very sorry to hear of your diagnosis. To let you know there are many long term survivors out there I want to share that I am a PMP survivor & almost 13 years with NED (no evidence of disease). There is a lot of information on sites such as http://www.pseudomyxomasurvivor.org , http://www.pmpcure.org and http://www.pmpawareness.org – including links to support groups.
My thoughts & prayers are with you for a successful & complete surgery and a swift uncomplicated recovery. Aussie hugs :)

Hello.
My husband was diagnosed with PMP in 2004 (we’re in Lebanon, PA). He had cytoreductive surgery plus heated intraperitoneal chemo with Dr Sardi (now at Mercy Medical in Baltimore) in 2005. He has been cancer-free since. Based on your corporate page, you may be in Philly. Please seek out Dr Esquivel with Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philly, Dr Sardi in Baltimore, or Dr Sugarbaker at Washington Hospital in DC. All three of these Drs are Specialists with PMP. Best of luck! Jennifer

I also have appendix cancer…I also was told the same thing. With the help of others on a PMP site I found the right Dr. I had almost 50 pounds of tumors and gel removed in my first surgery. It has been 5 years since my second surgery. And it is still gone…!! Find us on the FB group for appendix cancer. Find a new specialist. And find new friends that can help and support you through this fight.

Michael, my husband also has pseudomyxoma peritonei – his case was very advanced (PCI score 36/39, won’t go into details here) when after years of “discomfort” he was finally diagnosed. We presume the appendix was his primary; but we don’t know because it was obliterated by tumor. His cancer dx was low-grade mucinous adenocarinoma with PMP. I applaud you going “public” with this news, sharing your own journey is likely to help others in many ways. If you are not under the care of an appendix cancer specialist (not a GI oncologist – specifically an appendix cancer specialist) I urge you to contact one. There are several on east coast, Dr. Bartlett is there in PA and Dr. Sugarbaker who pioneered the cytoreductive surgery and heated chemo (HIPEC) combination is in DC. You likely already know all this, along with heated chemo being standard of care when surgery is performed. My husband is two years out from diagnosis and what was an incredibly aggressive surgery – and he is doing fantastic. I invite you to join our facebook group “PMP Appendix Cancer Support Group”. It is based out of the UK, but has world-wide subscribers. It is a private place to share questions, concerns, learn, share, and get support. Best of luck to you.

I am another Appendix Cancer survivor, and count among my friends numerous PMP survivors who are in full remission many years out. You must be treated by one of the appendiceal cancer experts in order to give yourself a chance at full recovery. It is an option. (I’m 7 years out and very healthy.)

Michael, sorry about your diagnosis — you are NOT alone. If you are having surgery with a true specialist, there is always hope of a cure and people 20 plus years out are here to tell you about it. Statistics are bleak, but trust me, they are old statistics and given the proper treatment there is no reason to start out believing that you can’t beat it. If you have a FB account, please ask to join https://www.facebook.com/groups/PMPAppendixCancerSupportGroup/ — there are over 1000 in this support group alone! I pray, and I pray that the treatment you are receiving is the curative one!

Michael, I was directed to your blog through the PMP facebook page. I am a 7 year survivor, with no recurrence, of pseudomyxoma. I was to the point of looking 8 mos pregnant and finding it harder to breath by the time I was diagnosed and directed to the an oncologist who could provide the proper treatment. Although I was advised I’d be assured two years without another surgery and possibly 5, I’m now to 7 and doing well – No evidence of disease whatsoever. May you be blessed with similar results.

I found the link to this post through an appendix cancer FB support group. I was diagnosed last June and had surgery/heated chemo last Sept. My original doctor, not a specialist, also gave me grim news. I was referred to MD Anderson. I just had my 6 month follow-up and everything looked great. My doctor is very confident that I will beat this. He actually said I was more likely to get some other cancer and die from that than die from appendix cancer. Best of luck to you. Stay positive. There are many, many long-term survivors in the support group. P.S. It does suck having a rare cancer!

I was diagnosed with pmp in June 2013. Was told by my local doctors that there was no cure & that surgery was not an option. I did some research & learned that there are a few doctors in the US who specialize in this weird cancer. Please Google Dr Paul Sugarbaker. He is the world’s leading expert on PMP. I had surgery in August 2013 & am currently cancer free. PLEASE see a specialist for more information. May God bless you

It looks like you are in Philadelphia. I don’t know who your doctors are there … but whomever told you that PMP (pseudomyxoma peritonei) has no cure must not know about cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Back in 2005, I had a case of PMP so advanced that I could barely breathe. I got to the right surgeon — all the way across the U.S. in Washington, DC, and had my 14-hour surgery and HIPEC. I’ve never needed any medical treatment since then.

There are thousands of us who get the right surgery and do just fine — regardless of how advanced the PMP is.

Hi Michael. Very sorry to hear of your diagnosis. The treatment is challenging and the recovery takes a while. It is exactly one year since I had surgery and chemo for the same condition. It has been a tough year but at this stage I feel well and have been working since last October. Because it is a rare condition it is hard to link up with other survivors. You will find that many people with this condition are well and living full lives many years after treatment. Others are not so lucky and much depends on the spread of the disease and whether it is low or high grade. I found that the best things to prepare for treatment and help recovery were to work on keeping healthy and being positive. Best of luck on this journey – you and your wife are in my prayers. Ray

Hi Michael. I sure hope you are seeing an appendix cancer specialist. I had cytoreductive surgery and heated interperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) 4 1/2 years ago with one and so far there is no evidence that the disease has returned. Each case, of course, is unique, but many of us are longterm survivors. Getting to a specialist seems to be the key.

Michael…While PMP is rare, there are many out there who are living disease free because they were not willing to accept that there was no treatment. YOU MUST join a PMP networking site, like PMP Appendix Cancer Group or Belly Buttoners. My daughter was told at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, one of the top cancer treatment centers in America, that her cancer was “unresectable”. Thank God her local oncologist knew better. She now has an appointment with Dr. Mansfield at MD Anderson in Houston for an evaluation. MD Anderson is one of only a very few centers worldwide who has substantial experience in treating this type of cancer. Best of luck to you.

Michael, wishing you luck in this journey. There are support groups for PMP ( I belong to one that was mentioned above) and there are also good outcomes out there. I had my surgery just under 2 years ago and so far I am still NED – No Evidence of Disease. Sending prayers and good thoughts!

My dad got diagnosed with PMP right before New Year’s Eve. I live in Denver. My parents live in MS. I got them an appointment with Dr. Sardi in Baltimore Maryland. This surgery was for 7 hours with HIPEC therapy (which cured the ascites). Results of the surgery – no organs were removed. The cancer is very extensive. As much tumor as possible was removed but appendix was not located. This is his 7th week of recovery. I am a holistic dentist and went to a conference in Vancouver. I met a cancer survivor who healed his advanced liver cancer through integrative chemo and antioxidant therapy. An integrative oncologist UC Berkeley is using this therapy and her cure rates increased up to 60%. My daddy has no more distended belly. My dad was done to 125 pounds. This therapy increases your antioxidants like eating tons of veggies and fruits. He has been having tremendous amounts of energy. Just a week and he weighs 132 pounds. I strongly believe if you give your body the nutrients it needs, it will heal itself. Please email if you r interested. I purchased the supplements also as I am 31 years old and have severe mercury toxicity from my profession. It is helping me tremendously. My dad is so weak he can not do chemo at this point. He went from being depressed sitting on the couch popping Percocets to washing his car, reading his Bible on the porch, making laps around our house. It is really helping him… My dad’s cancer is only 13% of PMP cases. Also, if you are a spiritual person, buy the book Ten Hours to Live. It is a very amazing book for encouragement of how to ask God for healing… You will be in my prayers!!! My daddy would also be happy to call and offer encouragement if needed.

Michael, I am very sad to hear your news. And once again, your honesty and great advice is a testament to the kind of wonderful person you are. I thoroughly enjoy your blog, the way you think, your commitment to the sector, and your genuine willingness to help others, and improve our world. I send my best wishes to you, and hope to be reading your blog 37 years from now.

Dear Micheal.
Sorry you have this rare cancer, but you are not alone. 9 years ago on the 19th of April 2005, I went in for surgery of ” Ovarian Cancer Stage 4″. On the 20th of April my doctor told me that I don’t have Ovarian Cancer but a rare Cancer of the Appendix..I have PMP. You need a second of opinion from a doctor who specializes with our Cancer ASAP. There are doctors listed here that specializes in PMP. Please do not do surgery with a doctor who doesn’t understand our Cancer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/PMPAppendixCancerSupportGroup/ and there is also pmpawareness.org that list doctors what to take to hospital etc Check them out.. Some of us have been in remission 5 to 9 years a few longer with no evidence of cnacer. Some are still fighting this at 12 years and I think one or two at 15 years. My motto from a friend who succumbed to this cancer, Never Give Up! Get a cop[y of all your records so you can send or take with to a PMP doctor. Have faith.

Sorry I forgot to tell you my original oncologist told me to go home to prepare to die in 3 to 6 moths basically. he did tell me that a doctor in the next county was doing some surgery for my kind of cancer, but it probably would not work. I made an appointment with him took all my records, x-rays , blood work tissue samples from my 1st surgery. Dr. Levine of Wake Medical Center in Winston Salem, NC did my second surgery on August 19, 2005. He gave me a chance for life. and I took it. I did lose quite a few internal organs and did have the HIPEC for 2 hours. HIPEC is a chemo bath that is infused via tubes into the abdominal cavity that is heated to around 40 degrees C. From 2005, when there were only a couple of doctors to this year, there is so much research going on now and more doctors that know how to handle this cancer you have to ask to see them.

Having read your blog I wanted to leave you a message to let you know that there is hope. I was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma in 2006 and had radical cytroreductive surgery with ip chemotherapy on Sep 11th 2006. I am to this day still cancer free and very much in remission, so as you can see there is hope & the diease can be cured.

Hope this positive vibe brings you a little sunshine in what im sure is a very dark time for you.

Very sorry to read this Michael. Just checking – are you seeing a specialist pseudomyxoma surgeon? I was diagnosed with this form of cancer in 2012 – I underwent successful cytoreductive surgery at Basingstoke Hospital under Mr Brendan Moran. My one-year scan in December showed no evidence of disease :) I have been told there is only a 20 per cent chance of it coming back. If you haven’t seen a pseudomyxoma specialist, you MUST do so. They are the only ones who truly understand the disease and how to treat it. This Facebook group was invaluable to me while I was going through it: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PMPAppendixCancerSupportGroup/ . Best of luck with everything x

Michael, I am so sorry to hear your news and want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and I will wait for your return to again be informed, inspired and motivated to continue my work. God bless you

You are one of the most important and interesting voices on social media. You’ll be missed whilst you’re resting and recovering, and I’m sure everyone looks forward to welcoming you back when you’re ready. Beth

Michael, While we have never met and I’ve never posted a message before I have been a loyal reader of your blog posts for the past year. And I just want to send you all of my best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers and look forward to seeing your blog posts resume in the very near future!

Was saddened to read your news Michael but such an eloquent post as ever, and even when you are dealing with so much, you still generously offered us readers some of your knowledge and advice. Wishing you the very best in your treatment and recovery.

Michael, a dear friend shared your blog with me. I was diagnosed with PMP last summer and had cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC in October. My surgery was considered a success, and I am back to my normal routine. I can imagine the shock and fear you and your family are feeling. There is an excellent support group on Facebook called “PMP Appendix Cancer Support Group.” It is an amazing group of people that led me to the best care and has provided invaluable advice, guidance and support. I urge you to join. I wish you the best of luck in your journey, and please feel free to contact me if you have ANY questions at all. I am happy to help and share my experience.

Until now, I fell into what must be a much larger group of fans and friends who are no less shocked and saddened but have difficulty finding words to rise to the occasion. Once again, you set the example for us, showing us the best possible way to deliver the most horrible kind of news.

I will miss your words, wit and wisdom. Knowing how well you have risen to other challenges makes me believe we will all have much more to look forward to.

Dear Michael, thank you for your honest realistic sharing about your health, I can’t imagine what it would be like to write or announce news like this. Words don’t really suffice in these situations, but in taking your advice to tell people what you appreciate about them, there’s no better time like the present – As a newbie into the fundraising world your advice has been sound and a “go to” resource for me. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the philanthropic world.

Please be assured of my prayers for you, your family and your medical practitioners, I wish you all the best during your treatment and a smooth recovery.

So sorry for the anguish and uncertainty you and your wife are experiencing now. Your practical advice has been helpful to me in more than one situation and I wish you both all the best. Think positive thoughts — and I am sure all your followers will do the same on your behalf.

Dear Michael, Thank you for your many fine posts. I have learned SO MUCH from you! Your posts are always well written, well-documented and backed up by your years of professional experience. SO SORRY to hear of your bad health news! I send healing thoughts and prayers to you and your wife. May you experience hope and strength for the journey! All the best to you both. – yvonne lembo

My heart goes out to you and your family as you continue to process the impact of this devastating news. I read your blog faithfully, though I have never posted, and am continually inspired to achieve a more donor-centric approach to our Legacy Giving marketing. I have also read your book, and will go to Amazon.com today to order another as a gift for a friend who is also a planned giving associate. I would like to challenge all other readers who already have your book to do the same for a friend or planned giving associate. My prayers are with you.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Dear Mr. Rosen and your beloved wife, i am so gutted at this awful news. you will never know how much your blog and your expertise has helped me in running Kidzcan Zimbabwe. Thank you for your beautiful and ‘truth full’ articles that i have so enjoyed.

I, too, am stepping down as Executive Director . i have felt for awhile that i have reached my ceiling of expertise and need a real professional. We have a wonderful young lady called Bev Sebastian and i eagerly look forward to her professional input and her taking Kidzcan to the next level.

I will keep your wife and you especially in my prayers often. I look forward to the future when you are back to guide so many of us.

“May the light of God surround you, the presence of God enfold you, and the power of God Heal you now and always”

Looking forward to hearing your updates and will be waiting for you to return .

I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and learning from your knowledge and experience and look forward to hearing more from you when you are ready. For now, take the time you need for you and your family to heal and move forward. Wishing you all the best.

I’m not surprised to see this outpouring of love, admiration and respect for you, Michael – you’ve been so good – and such an inspiration to many of us. My prayers and best wishes to you and your wife.

Michael: There will be a gaping void in the Phialdelphia area’s advancement world during your (hopefully short) leave of absence. I have had the pleaseure of hearing you speak and working with you regarding AFP. You are truly a leader among us, in our profession, and I will wait patiently to enjoy your wisdom again soon. Best wishes, and heartfelt prayers!

Michael, we know each other via Linkedin groups. You are a leader there and now I see you are a leader in life. Your courage and strength of character revealed at this time of crisis is not a surprise, but it’s still no less inspiring to us all. Most would panic; you keep giving, living intentionally. Ours is a somewhat sleepy profession, but you manage to be a rock star among us. I am sure you’ll pull through this threat. Your work and example are too vital. We’ll all be here cheering you on and celebrating your return. Jim

Michael: I just learned of your diagnosis from a colleague and wanted to add my words of support and encouragement to so many others. My husband was diagnosed 6.5 years ago with a chronic form of cancer (no cure/only treatment), but for the moment he is in a remission. A quick reading of so many others with your form of cancer who are surviving every day is a testament to the amazing advances made in cancer research daily, the support of family and friends and the well wishes of so many others. I’m adding mine to all of those above. Take care of yourself and your family first. Be well. Margaret

Michael,
I didn’t know until a few minutes ago, when I read Ben Case’s daily morning email, about your diagnosis. I am crestfallen, as are so many of your friends and colleagues, but am at the same time encouraged by your positive attitude and your willingness to share the news with this community. I feel, as I’m sure you do, that this particular profession – planned giving professionals and other fundraisers – offers a special camaraderie of caring, warmth and friendship; the messages here before mine are testament to that and of the respect you elicit among all of us. You will be in my own thoughts now as I wish you all the best. (All of us together thinking the same positive thoughts should have a mighty impact, no?) I know you’ll be off for a while as you go through surgery and recovery, but I fully expect you back up and running soon.

As my surgery day approaches, I’ve taken the time to re-read the thoughtful comments here as well as the emails, cards, and other messages I have received. I thank you all for your support and encouragement. Your kindness means a great deal to my wife and me. I’ll provide an update within the next several weeks, when I’m able.

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your wife! I have no doubts of a triumphal recovery. Please stay strong cause there are many many people like me that miss you already and will embrace your comeback.

You have championed so many people and organisations before. Now is the time to champion yourself. If you feel too ill we will champion you on . Miss your advice . In our thoughts and prayers. You can do it.

Michael, I am honored to be among those that connect to your better health through prayer and positive thought. I believe in purposeful connection and know finding you today was a purposeful connection. Feel the love and power surround you and your wife as you heal. Know your business and your person are protected by power that exceeds what we hold in our hand or manage in our knowledge. This article was deeply appreciate by me. As I read it, I was reminded of my own presentation of bad news to the members of National Seizure Disorders Foundation in Nov 2012 when my daughter passed away through seizures. This article reflects your integrity and your passion and respect for your followers. I look forward to updates.

Michael, I just thought I would let you know that I am thinking of you and hope that you are doing well. Though we have never met, your wisdom and advice have helped me personally and professionally and for that I am truly grateful. I it hard to understand why we are given the cards to deal with sometimes in life but with the support and encouragement from family and friends (and strangers) this makes those challenges a little easier to bear. Stay strong! Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Judy Waters, Houston

Michael: My wife was diagnosed 2/1/2012 with appendix cancer, signet ring cell type. Very rare, very malignant. After three months of chemo at the Block Medical Center in Skokie, Illinois, which I highly recommend, Dr. Bartlett and his team performed HIPEC surgery 6/2/12 during which extensive organ involvement was identified and addressed. I can assure you from our personal experience, that your surgical care could not be in better hands, anywhere, and, post-operatively, you will find Dr. Bartlett and his P.A.s to be compassionate, caring, forthright and truly interested in closely following your case and facilitating your recovery. Best wishes.